In Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, "The Master" (his sixth), not only does he go out on a limb, but he allows two of our finest actors--Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman--to hang precariously from that limb with him.

Since it's V-Day, I want to return to the exalting, superb Punch-Drunk Love, which remains one of the most romantic movies of the last 10 years. I was baffled by its mixed reception and wonder if it remains misunderstood to this day.